A brief history of Kawasaki motorcycles

Kawasaki Heavy Industries started life back in 1896 under the guiding arm of Shozo Kawasaki. His expertise in heavy engineering (ships, trains, and later power stations) led to Kawasaki becoming one of the chief industry players in Japan.

Kawasaki produced its first motorcycle engine in 1953, a small capacity 4-stroke unit, and then only produced small scooters. Actual motorcycle production under the Kawasaki banner didn’t happen until 1961 when Kawasaki Aircraft Co. took full control of ailing Japanese motorcycle producer Meguro Motorcycles.

From this merger, Kawasaki unveiled a 250cc single-cylinder machine and an OHV 496cc twin. A 125cc two-stroke soon followed and the now legendary 250cc two-stroke Samurai, which set the world alight with its acceleration and light weight. The next biggest event was the W1, a twin-cylinder four-stroke modelled on Britain’s BSA A10.

A series of two-stroke triple-cylinder bikes put Kawasaki firmly on the motorcycling map. The first in 1968 was the 500cc H1 (500SS Mach III). A powerful beast, but the engine performance highlighted poor chassis design to make it a fearsome creature to ride. Then followed the 750cc H2 Mach IV and a series of S1 250cc and S2 350cc machines. Their racing equivalents were devastatingly quick and successful.

In answer to Honda’s CB750, Kawasaki rolled out its first double overhead-cam (dohc) inline four-cylinder machine, the 900cc Z1, in 1970. Kawasaki’s reputation for building the fastest bikes went stratospheric with this bike and the Z1000 series that followed.

Kawasaki’s range of four-stroke bikes over the years has been groundbreaking. Its six-cylinder, water-cooled Z1300 was an engineering masterpiece, as was the 1984 GPZ900R, the first production bike capable of hitting a true 155mph in standard trim. Sports machines are Kawasaki’s forte, but its custom cruiser and naked sports range is immensely popular, too – Kawasaki’s Z750 has been Europe’s number one selling naked roadster for many years.

Kawasaki’s range of motorcycles

Kawasaki’s KLX250 is a road bike and competent green-laner. Its three road-biased adventure-themed bikes are the 650 Versys and 650 Versys Tourer – complete with panniers. The new Versys 1000 has had rave reviews for comfort, practicality and affordability.

SportFashioned for supersport and superbike racing, the Ninja ZX-6R (600cc) and ZX-10R (1,000cc) are perfect examples of Kawasaki’s reputation for “bullet-proof” and fast motorcycles.

Street sport

The Z750 and Z1000 naked sports bikes are rightly known for performance and fun, while the middleweights ER-6f/n are practical everyday bikes and stepping stones to the larger classes. The very retro W800 is a wire-wheeled nod to the original Kawasaki W1. Taking advantage of the new learner legal laws is the sports-styled Ninja 250R.

Custom

Kawasaki custom bikes have a massive following in America and it is now growing in Europe. There are two engine capacities used; a 903cc V-twin and 1,700cc V-twin. Each capacity has different styles from Custom to Classic, but it’s the 1,700cc class that also features two high-spec touring models in the Harley vein.

Kawasaki’s ZZR1400 is the two-wheeled equivalent of the Japanese Bullet train – fast. Extremely fast. The 1400GTR is a super smooth touring machine built also for maximum comfort and fuss-free riding. Last but in no way least are the agile and fun Z1000SX/touring.

How Bennetts provide insurance for Kawasaki owners

Kawasaki has a very wide and diverse range of motorcycles, all geared to meet the many and varied needs of prospective new owners. With this in mind, we can call upon seven leading insurance underwriters to get the right deal for you.

We also know that second-hand Kawasaki machines are very much in demand. Therefore, we can also use our extensive knowledge of 85 years experience to find our best competitive Kawasaki motorcycle insurance quote for whatever second-hand Kawasaki motorcycle you buy.

How to get a quote for your Kawasaki motorcycle

Getting an insurance quote is easy with Bennetts. We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need.

Simply complete our online formor call our dedicated customer service team on 0330 018 7990, who are on hand to find our best deal for you.

Sources of interest for Kawasaki owners and fans

www.kawasaki.co.uk – the UK Kawasaki distributor’s site with details of all new Kawasaki models, accessories, events, racing programme, dealer search and more.